What is Hyaluronic Filler (HA Filler)?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance found in our skin, responsible for maintaining hydration, volume, and elasticity. As we age, our natural HA levels diminish, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of facial volume.

How HA Fillers Work:

Hyaluronic filler is a gel-like substance that, when injected, works by:

• Attracting and Retaining Water: HA molecules can hold up to 1,000 times their weight in water, providing immediate hydration and plumping to the treated area.
• Restoring Volume: It effectively fills in hollows and lost volume, creating a more youthful contour.
• Smoothing Lines: It lifts and smooths wrinkles and folds by adding volume beneath the skin.
• Stimulating Collagen: Some studies suggest HA fillers may also stimulate your body’s natural collagen production over time.

These qualities make HA fillers incredibly versatile and a popular choice for those seeking non-surgical aesthetic enhancements.

The Science Behind Hyaluronic Filler: Composition & Technology

At its core, hyaluronic filler is a gel derived from hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance naturally found in the human body, particularly in the skin, joints, and eyes. Its primary function is to attract and hold water, providing hydration, lubrication, and volume.

From Natural HA to Injectable Gel:

• Natural HA (Non-Cross-Linked): In its native form, HA is a liquid with a very short lifespan in the body.
• Cross-Linking Technology: For use as a dermal filler, HA undergoes a crucial process called “cross-linking.”This involves chemically bonding the individual HA molecules together to form a stable, longer-lasting gel.
• Viscoelastic Properties: Different cross-linking technologies and manufacturing processes result in variations in the filler’s:
  • Viscosity (thickness)
  • Cohesivity (stickiness)
  • Elasticity (firmness)

These properties determine which HA filler is best suited for different depths of injection and specific areas of the face. This ensures that each dermal filler injection is optimized for its intended purpose.

Leading Hyaluronic Filler Brands at WIH Hospital

At WIH International Hospital, we prioritize patient safety and natural-looking results. Therefore, we exclusively use globally recognized and FDA-approved HA filler brands that have a proven track record of safety and effectiveness. Some of the leading HA filler brands we commonly utilize include:

1. Juvéderm® (Manufactured by Allergan, USA)

Known for its smooth consistency and diverse product line, Juvéderm uses Hylacross or Vycross technology to create different gels.

• Juvéderm Voluma™: A thicker gel, ideal for adding significant volume to the cheeks, chin, and jawline, providing lift and contour. Often used for mid-face augmentation.
• Juvéderm Volbella™ / Volite™: Softer, more fluid gels perfect for subtle lip enhancement, treating fine lines around the mouth (perioral lines), and improving skin hydration and elasticity.
• Juvéderm Vollure™ / Volift™: Versatile fillers designed to smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (smile lines) and marionette lines.

2. Restylane® (Manufactured by Galderma, Sweden)

Restylane fillers are renowned for their particulate gel consistency, offering excellent lift and precise placement. They use NASHA™ (Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid) and OBT™ (Optimal Balance Technology).

• Restylane Lyft™: A robust filler for deeper lines, folds, and significant volume restoration in areas like the cheeks and mid-face. It’s also FDA-approved for hand rejuvenation.
• Restylane Defyne™ / Refyne™: Formulated with XpresHAn Technology™ (a form of OBT), these fillers are designed to move naturally with your expressions, making them ideal for dynamic areas like nasolabial folds and marionette lines, providing flexible support.
• Restylane Kysse™ / Silk™: Softer formulations specifically designed for lip augmentation and the correction of perioral lines, offering natural movement and feel.

3. Belotero® (Manufactured by Merz Aesthetics, Switzerland)

Belotero fillers are unique for their Cohesive Polydensified Matrix (CPM) technology, which allows them to integrate seamlessly into the skin, making them excellent for superficial lines without causing the “Tyndall effect” (a bluish tint).

• Belotero Balance®: A versatile filler used for moderate lines and wrinkles, and particularly well-suited for delicate areas like under-eye hollows (tear troughs) due to its smooth integration.
• Belotero Intense® / Volume®: Thicker formulations used for deeper folds and volume restoration in areas like cheeks and temples.

Transformative Benefits: Why Choose Hyaluronic Filler?

The popularity of hyaluronic acid filler stems from its impressive array of benefits, making it a cornerstone of modern aesthetic treatments.

Natural-Looking Results: When expertly administered, HA filler integrates smoothly with your natural tissues, providing subtle yet significant enhancements that look and feel authentic.

Immediate Gratification: Unlike some treatments, the results of dermal filler injections are visible almost instantly, allowing you to see your refreshed look right away.

Minimally Invasive: It’s a non-surgical procedure with minimal downtime, allowing you to return to your daily routine quickly.

Reversible: A unique advantage of hyaluronic filler is its reversibility. If you’re not entirely satisfied with the result, or in rare cases of complication, the filler can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase.

Versatile Applications: HA filler can address a wide range of aesthetic concerns across the face.

Safety Profile: Hyaluronic acid is biocompatible, meaning it’s well-tolerated by the body, leading to a low risk of allergic reactions.

Popular Treatment Areas for Dermal Filler Injections

Our skilled practitioners at WIH International Hospital use hyaluronic filler to address various areas, helping to restore youthfulness, balance features, and enhance contours.

✓Lips: Enhance volume, define the cupid’s bow, and smooth vertical lip lines for a fuller, more youthful pout.

✓Cheeks: Restore lost volume in the mid-face, lifting sagging skin and creating a more defined, youthful cheek contour.

✓Nasolabial Folds (Smile Lines): Soften the lines running from the nose to the corners of the mouth.

✓Marionette Lines: Reduce the lines extending downwards from the corners of the mouth, which can give a sad or downturned appearance.

✓Dermal Filler Forehead & Frown Lines: While Botox is typically the primary treatment for dynamic wrinkles on the forehead, HA fillers can be used cautiously to address static (resting) lines or volume loss, or in combination with neuromodulators for a smoother finish.

✓Dermal Filler for Jowls & Jawline: Define the jawline and subtly lift the jowls, creating a more sculpted and youthful lower face.

✓Under-eye Hollows (Tear Troughs): Reduce dark circles and hollows under the eyes, making you look more rested.

✓Nose Reshaping (Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty): Correct minor asymmetries or improve nasal bridge definition.

✓Chin & Jawline Augmentation: Enhance chin projection or jawline definition for a more balanced facial profile.

Contraindications

While HA fillers are generally safe, it’s crucial to be aware of contraindications. Your safety is our utmost priority at WIH International Hospital.

Contraindications (When HA Fillers Should NOT Be Used):

1. Pregnancy or Breastfeeding: Safety has not been established in these populations.
2. Active Infection or Inflammation: In or near the proposed treatment area (e.g., acne, herpes simplex outbreak).
3. Known Allergy: To hyaluronic acid, lidocaine (if the filler contains it), or any component of the filler product.
4. Autoimmune Diseases: (e.g., Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis) – requires careful consideration and discussion with your physician.
5. Patients on Certain Medications: Especially those that thin the blood (e.g., aspirin, NSAIDs, certain supplements) unless cleared by your physician, due to increased risk of bruising.
6. Concurrent Treatments: Certain treatments, like deep chemical peels, laser resurfacing, or microneedling, should not be performed immediately before or after filler injections without proper spacing.

Ready to Discover the Right Hyaluronic Filler for You?

Experience the difference that expert care and premium HA fillers can make. If you’re considering dermal filler injections in Bangkok, contact WIH International Hospital today for a personalized consultation.